Potrerillos Rafting & Argentine Barbecue Private Adventure

You paddle the rapids yourself, not watch from a boat.

A private rafting activity in Potrerillos, Mendoza combines intermediate whitewater paddling with a full Argentine barbecue lunch, all arranged with hotel pickup and a live guide in English or Spanish. The rafting takes about 3 hours including gear and transfer time; lunch follows at a local restaurant. Children from age 11 are welcome, and thermal wetsuits are provided.

The Experience

Potrerillos sits in the Andes foothills northwest of Mendoza, and this activity puts you in the water instead of watching from the shore. You'll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Xnoccio, a rafting outfitter that handles the intermediate-level section of river. The company provides all thermal gear — you bring a swimsuit — and the guide walks you through the paddling before you launch. The rapids here are steady enough to feel real without the danger; the 3 hours covers the actual time on water plus the transfer and changing in and out of wetsuits.

After you come off the river, you head to La Escondida restaurant, where the day shifts into a proper Argentine asado. This isn't a tourist version — the menu is what locals eat, and you get to sit for about 3 hours with the food and the mountain air. The price covers the meal but not drinks, so you can order wine from Mendoza if you want it. The whole day runs about 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Private hotel pickup and drop-off.
• use of thermal wetsuits and all rafting gear.
• intermediate-level rafting with instruction.
• Argentine barbecue lunch at a mountain restaurant.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Pulümak experiences

Is this one for you?You paddle the rapids yourself on this private activity, which suits anyone who wants to be in the water rather than watching from the sidelines. The intermediate difficulty means you get real whitewater without needing expert technique, and the barbecue lunch afterward is a full meal, not a quick snack — book this if you have the afternoon free and want the day to unfold at its own pace.

Top questions

What's the rafting difficulty like in Potrerillos?

The Potrerillos section is intermediate level, which means steady rapids that keep you engaged without requiring expert technique. The outfitter provides instruction before you launch, and thermal wetsuits keep you warm in the mountain water.

Do I need to know how to swim or have rafting experience?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the outfitter teaches you what you need to know. Children from age 11 can join, though the company does not recommend it for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What happens after the rafting ends?

You change out of your wet gear and drive to La Escondida restaurant in Potrerillos, where you eat a traditional Argentine barbecue lunch. The meal takes about 3 hours and includes typical regional dishes; drinks are separate.

Does the price include everything I need?

The price covers private transportation from your hotel, all rafting equipment and thermal gear, and the barbecue lunch. Drinks at the restaurant and gratuities are not included.

What time does the day start and end?

You're picked up from your hotel in the morning, and the full activity runs about 6 hours including the rafting, lunch and travel time. The exact pickup time is arranged when you book.